Are you an ambitious entrepreneur from a low or middle-income Commonwealth country? The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 offers a transformative six-month program designed to elevate high-potential startups through immersive learning experiences, networking opportunities, and financial support. Read on to learn about its benefits, eligibility criteria, and the application process.
Benefits of the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship
This fellowship is tailored to empower early-stage startups with resources and skills to scale operations and create meaningful impact in their home countries. The benefits include:
- In-Person Bootcamp in Accra, Ghana: A two-week immersive experience at the end of March 2025 to hone entrepreneurial skills, network, and gain insights from experts.
- Capstone Events in London: Outstanding startups may get the chance to attend exclusive events in London later in the year.
- Financial Support:
- Fully funded return travel to Accra, Ghana.
- Accommodation, travel, and catering during the bootcamp.
- Reimbursement for standard visa application fees and vaccination costs.
- Access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund for business-related expenses.
- Additional support for candidates with disabilities.
- Global Network Building: Engage with entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry leaders from across the Commonwealth.
- Skills and Knowledge: Participants gain cutting-edge expertise to build thriving businesses and drive job creation.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be a graduate or possess an equivalent qualification.
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of a low or middle-income Commonwealth country or have refugee status in an eligible country.
- Demonstrate fluency in written and spoken English.
- Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last five years.
- Be available to participate in the fellowship from the prescribed start date.
Additional Requirements for Startups:
- Evidence of innovation in product, service, or market.
- At least six months of active development with a committed team.
- A working minimum viable product, service, or prototype.
- Significant customer engagement or traction (e.g., pre-sales, contracts, or measurable demand).
The fellowship seeks to promote diversity and equal opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.
How to Apply?
The application process is straightforward and accessible online. Follow these steps:
- Access the Application Form: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/launch-of-the-commonwealth-startup-fellowship/
- Prepare Required Information:
- Academic qualifications (up to two entries).
- Previous employment history (up to two entries).
- Business details, including registration status and your role.
- Progress and achievements of your startup (250 words max).
- Competitor research insights (150 words max).
- Intellectual Property (IP) status (if applicable, 150 words max).
- A one-minute elevator pitch video.
- Answers to specific questions about your business problem, solution, team, and motivation.
- Passport or national identity card scan.
- Submit Your Application: Complete the form with accurate and detailed information. Remember to highlight your innovation, progress, and team capabilities.
Announcement: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-startup-fellowship-information-for-candidates/.